Justin Caldwell

“The songwriting is masterful, the musicianship is inspiring and the production is huge. What a wonderful piece of work..."
- Andy Donnelly (CKUA Radio Network, Producer/Host)

Dog And Bird, by Justin Caldwell, is a surprisingly polished, finely produced, and original first album. Traveling through a wide range of influences, from The Police and Peter Gabriel to Kurt Elling and Martin Sexton, Caldwell maintains an original sound throughout. Caldwell’s voice, meanwhile, delivers a coup de grace with a smooth soulful sound reminiscent of Sting.

Displaying an eclectic range of music, Caldwell transforms seamlessly between musical genres and influences without the expected self-conscious sense that he’s stretching too far. In fact, Caldwell stands out as he moves so fluently that the slow blues’ “Enough” and the upbeat reggae “It’s Not Me” both seem like a native tongue for him. Dog And Bird also maintains a soulful and intuitive feel to it throughout. In this area Caldwell follows educated musicians such as Sting and Bono, whose music is intelligent but playable and easy to listen to. This is also aided by Caldwell’s voice. His almost crooner-esque sound reveals a blues and jazz influence that give a depth of feeling that easily reaches the listener and creates an instant connection. Drawing on the blues influence, Caldwell’s voice then transforms the moving “This Way For You” and title track, “Dog And Bird” into punching, resonating rock songs.

The connection between Caldwell and the listener would not be possible without Caldwell’s songwriting. For a young artist, Caldwell’s writing seems well developed and he comes across as adept at composing catchy popish song such as the radio friendly “I’m Not Falling” and then moving into deeper waters with darker ballads such as “Love Is Suicide”. His degree of personal songwriting connects you with the over-all feeling of the album and seems to usher you into an intimate place in his life, while avoiding being over-emotional.

Dog And Bird is an album that makes you feel as though you have discovered a musician that is only beginning an amazing career. It is a journey, not only through the different ideas of love, from sacrifice to obsession, but through the different ideas of music. Drawing on his intuitive feel for composition, Caldwell delivers a pleasing and original work.

------ Daniel Bowden, Liberty University

- Daniel Bowden

Dog and Bird? Right away the album title might make you say “hmmm.” However, after listening to the album, it’s guaranteed that your “hmmm” will turn to “Mmmmhhhmmm!” The music grabs you through its eclectic melodies and distinctive lyrics. Dog and Bird isn’t an album that has to grow on you- expect love at first listen.

Warning: Caldwell’s CD might trick you. While listening, you’ll probably think that you stuck your favorite mix CD in. When Look My Way and It’s Not Me plays, you might think modern-day jazz artist Michael Bublé is in your CD player. But then This Way For You plays, and its style changes from that jazzy feel to a more rock band sound. Next on the CD is the track Dog and Bird. When you hear the acoustic softness, you may be reminded of John Mayer. The smooth and lulling sounds of You’d Let Me In But I’d Never Fit resemble the indie air of Coldplay. The lyrics, as much as the melodies, have variety. There is the soulful melancholy of Love is Suicide to the more lighthearted Dog and Bird.

Whatever you are in the mood for, it's there. Variety is pleasing to the ears. Try the exceptionally talented Justin Caldwell’s album, Dog and Bird. Every track is a fresh blend of musical styles. Caldwell’s CD will not disappoint. Enough said.


--- Amy Hultstrand
Representative, 90.9 The Light
- Amy Hultstrand